Ferdinando Sebastiani

Ferdinando Sebastiani (1803-1860) was an Italian clarinettist, composer and teacher associated with the Neapolitan clarinet tradition. Born in Capua, he became principal clarinet in the royal theatres of Naples and taught at the city’s music college. Admired by Rossini, Donizetti, Mercadante and Verdi, he inspired major operatic clarinet solos. His own works include concertos, fantasies and variations on operatic themes, and a clarinet method published in 1855.